As I mentioned a couple weeks ago, everyone at Ped HQ shares nostalgia for that back-to-school excitement that used to fill us with a mix of nerves, sadness that summer was over, and elation at seeing our friends again. Those of you who are who involved in education—whether you’re a grad student, prof, or administrator—still get the thrill of the fall transition, while the rest of us simply live vicariously. To help recreate that zesty, anything-could-happen-this-year feeling, we’ve put together a cool-for-school list that also works outside the ivory tower. Take notes!

1) Book bag.

Let’s face it, 49 Square Miles’ Bookworm Slim Tote is in a class of its own. It’s roomy enough to accommodate files, notebooks, and even a small laptop, but it’s not so large that you’ll end up with a back problem from hauling too much across campus or to the office (allow us be your guidance counselor on this one). And the color! If you’re feeling sleepy in your seminar, just look at this beauty for a wake-up call.

2) Go-with-everything shoes.

When you need a shoe that you can wear day in and day out, whether you’re dolled up in a cute skirt or going casual in your sweetheart’s jeans, look no further than the Cydwoq Dance. This super easy flat is schooled in style, yet it’s comfortable enough to race through a mad dash when you’re running late for class or a meeting (and a bit of rubber on the leather sole will keep you on your feet).

3) BGOC (Big Gal on Campus) Boots.

Of course, your classmates and/or colleagues admire your smarts, but it doesn’t hurt to let them ooh and aaah over your style, too. Brains and beauty, yeah, that’s right, you’ve got it ALL going on—a point you can make clearly by skipping from class to meetings to lunch in Cydwoq’s Native Boots. These knockout lace-ups are at once classic and modern and will just get better the more you wear them. Turn those heads!

4) Chilly days scarf.

Fall weather is unpredictable. Warm days turn chilly and vice versa. Let the mercury rise and fall—when you’ve got a soft and cozy wool scarf from Sophie Digard, you’re all set for whatever the day brings. Hand-crocheted and Parisian chic, a Sophie scarf is the way to look beautiful and stay toasty! We especially love her Check Square design (although it’s so hard to choose—tomorrow we may have a new favorite)!

With these items in your wardrobe, you’ll be a walking lesson in style!

At Ped, we’re always on the lookout for those rare designers who adhere to socially and environmentally responsible practices while making beautifully crafted items with scads of style. So, we went right over the moon when we discovered Argila, a wonderful shoe line featuring beautiful leathers and meticulous workmanship produced in designer Pep Monjo’s hometown of Menorca, Spain! We first introduced Argila to the Ped lineup last spring, and now we’re back with round two for fall. Let us just gush for a minute because these shoes and boots are truly something special!

Argila’s Maya is the holy grail of women’s shoes—a comfortable heel that’s conservative enough for the office but still lets you express your individuality (because who wants to be a corporate cog?). The leather is such a rich smoky grey, and it goes with absolutely everything. The t-strap is a classic style, but the details set this beauty apart, from the perforated leather at the front and back to the suede-wrapped heel to the circular buckle at the ankle. We can’t stop sighing.

Maybe your career let’s you be a little more badass—or maybe you like to shed your work clothes and get your ya-yas out after hours! If so, look no further than the Argila Katrine. This rockin’ ankle boot will make everyone around you catch their breath—it’s that stunning! We love the way the black leather suggests just a hint of bondage with the way it crisscrosses the taupe boot.

Speaking of beautifully cut leather, Argila’s Sadie is a veritable work of art with the way its chocolate leather radiates at an angle across the toe box and arches over the heel. It’s got a vintage feel but is thoroughly modern (check out the beautiful line of the heel). The schoolgirl look was never sexier!

Finally, Argila’s Josephine boot is perhaps our favorite black short boot of the season (although, admittedly, there are a lot of other beautiful ones at Ped). Again, it’s Argila’s attention to detail that sends this knockout over the top. We are especially smitten with the lace-less brass rivets running up the front of the boot—so very cool!

Such smoldering styles coming out of Spain! Argila es muy caliente!

Ped fans, don’t forget there are just two days left in Ped’s Bag Sale. Tote one of our Cydwoq, 49 Square Miles, or Jutta Neumann lovelies away while you can because they’re back to full price after August 19!

Here at Ped HQ in Berkeley, Ca., we receive wonderful things from all over the world—Fiorentini + Baker boots from Italy, Trippen shoes from Germany, Antipast socks from Japan, and Cydwoq footwear and bags from down the California coast in Burbank (just to name a few). But after their brief sojourn here at Ped, we send these lovelies on their global way to points far and wide. It’s always fun for us to discover what countries are particularly fond of what lines.

For instance, in Australia and New Zealand—where autumn is currently on its way to winter—Ped fans can’t get enough of Fiorentini + Baker boots.

Meanwhile, all things Cydwoq are popular in France, Germany, and Switzerland.

Our Canadian friends love Jamie Joseph’s sparkle.

And in Japan, our customers are wild about Parisian Sophie Digard’s designs!

No matter where you are, Ped is ready to travel the world to bring you international style!

Is everyone out there as happy as I am about spring? When the trees leaf out and the grass turns green, all I want to do is leave my dark clothes in the closet and wear something light and breezy. That goes for my shoes and accessories, too. White, cream, and light metallics are so summery and fresh. (And for those of you who insist on not wearing white until after Easter, well, gals, it’s this Sunday, so you’re almost there…) Think bridal showers. Think afternoon tea parties on the verandah. Think dining al fresco with your sweetheart. Even if you usually wear all black all the time, why not surprise your friends and colleagues by doing the reverse? It’s fun to shake things up! Here are a few of Ped’s favorite ways to lighten the mood:

No, you’re not dreaming—Ped now offers Fiorentini + Baker’s Eternity boot in white (well, blanco in Italian)!!! Don’t you love how it exudes retro flair, calling to mind 1960s go-go boots, and yet is still so modern and badass? Think how cute this style would look with a light cotton dress or skirt! CUTE!

But if you prefer something more traditionally lady-like, Chie Mihara has your number:

Feminine without a hint of prissiness, Chie’s Levante t-strap sandal has such a sweet vintage air with its cream-colored woven leather. I especially like how the toe straps resemble flower petals folding in toward the center. Plus, the lift up front makes this heel a comfortable pleasure to wear.

For an edgier, artier sandal, consider the bronze version of Cydwoq’s fabulous Elect:

:

The silvery edges of the faux-crocodile leather take the Elect’s gladiator-esque style into the stratosphere. Wear this number to a gallery opening, and we guarantee all eyes won’t only be on the art!

Maybe what you really need, though, is a new bag to take you through the warm-weather months. Look no further than 49 Square Miles Winans Hobo:

If you haven’t touched a 49 Square Miles bag, you are in for a treat! The leather of this carry-all is as creamy and delicious as its color! Also, although you can’t fully see the shoulder strap in the photo above, it loops through the bag and intertwines like a lovely vine (check “views” at the Ped site to see what I mean).

Speaking of vines, how breathtaking is Jamie Joseph’s Cultured Pearl on a Vine ring?

As lovely as a full moon on a spring night, this ring combines the smooth opulence of a pearl set in 14k gold with an organic vine of sterling silver. It’s the perfect treat for celebrating the return of warm weather!

Fiorentini + Baker's Emma, Eli, and Eternity

You know what makes everyone at Ped HQ smile? The sight of Fiorentini +Baker boxes coming off the delivery truck! Today we got our latest shipment of F+B’s ever-popular Eternity and beloved Emma boots, which reminds me to share a recent e-mail from Debbi right here in Berkeley:

Hi Dayna,

As my birthday approached, I asked my husband not to get me anything. I suggested he consider “an experience” instead. When I opened the box containing my Emma boots, I thought he’d forgotten my suggestion. After putting them on, I knew he’d given great thought to what turned out to be an incomparable experience. Thank you!

 Debbi

Add another member to the ever-growing fan club of Fiorentini + Baker, an Italian company that believes in making boots the traditional way. At first glance, the prices may seem a bit steep, but with F+B (as with all of Ped’s lines), you truly get what you pay for! Expertly made from the best leather, these boots will last a lifetime, even if you wear them every day of the year—which is pretty much what I do! We are all about the P.P.W. (price per wear) here at Ped!

Consider how many celebrities opt for Fiorentini + Baker boots. These gals can afford to wear anything, but they choose the comfort and cutting-edge style of F+B for their everyday errands.

L to R: Keri Hilson, Kate Beckinsale, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mary Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba, and Sarah Jessica Parker, all feeling the Fiorentini + Baker love!

And we at Ped love them, too! My Eternity boots are second only to my go-to Emma, which took my heart by storm last year. Meanwhile, Ped’s Laura became a Fiorentini + Baker convert this past fall, thanks to the Elios, and since then she’s also added the Emma to her wardrobe! We are true F+B devotees around here! 

As I mentioned in my after-Paris post, I especially love the look of a great pair of boots with a pretty summer dress. And since that’s the latest trend, all the better!

Dayna in her Emma boots with Ped's Chief Canine Officer, Lulu.

After all, Fiorentini + Baker boots are Lulu-approved!